Hamilton County Florida Criminal Court Records

Hamilton County criminal court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Jasper. This rural North Florida county sits near the Georgia border. The Third Judicial Circuit handles all felony cases. The clerk's office files and stores these public records. Residents can search them online or visit the courthouse in person.

Hamilton County Clerk of Court Office

The Hamilton County Clerk of Court manages all criminal records for the county. W. Greg Godwin holds the elected position. His office is on Northeast First Street in Jasper. The staff handles daily filings and public requests. They work with the Third Judicial Circuit. Criminal cases are an important part of their duties.

Hamilton County is part of the Third Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers seven counties in North Florida. Columbia, Dixie, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor counties share the circuit with Hamilton. The circuit court has general jurisdiction. It hears all felony cases from Hamilton County. These are serious crimes with potential prison sentences.

The clerk's office is in the Hamilton County Courthouse. It is on the first floor in Room 106. The courthouse is in downtown Jasper. Parking is available on the street. The office welcomes walk-in visitors. Staff can help with searches. They can make copies of documents. Call before visiting to confirm hours.

Note: The Hamilton County Clerk's office maintains both current and archived criminal records dating back many years.

Criminal Record Types in Hamilton County

Hamilton County criminal court records fall into several types. Felony records are the most serious. These include crimes like murder, rape, and robbery. They also include burglary and drug trafficking. Felonies carry prison terms over one year. The circuit court handles all felonies. Each case gets a unique number.

Misdemeanor records are also kept. These are less serious crimes. They include petty theft and simple assault. They carry shorter jail terms. The county court hears these cases. The clerk stores the records. Some misdemeanors can become felonies. This depends on the facts or prior record.

Traffic criminal cases are another type. These include DUI and reckless driving. They include driving with a suspended license. These can be misdemeanors or felonies. Serious cases go to circuit court. The clerk tracks all of them. Each creates a file with multiple documents.

Case files contain various papers. Arrest reports show why police acted. Charging documents list the crimes. Motions ask for court rulings. Orders are the judge's decisions. Plea forms show admissions of guilt. Sentencing orders state the punishment. All are public record.

How to Access Hamilton County Criminal Records

You can access Hamilton County criminal records in several ways. The clerk provides online search tools. In-person visits are available. Mail requests are accepted. Each method suits different needs. Choose the one that works for you.

Online searching is convenient. Visit the Hamilton County Clerk website. Navigate to the records search page. Enter a name or case number. Results show basic case information. This includes charges and court dates. Some documents may be available. Fees apply for certain records. Credit cards are accepted. Start at hamiltoncountyflorida.com/clerk-of-courts.

In-person access allows full file review. Go to the clerk's office in Jasper. Request the case at the counter. Staff will retrieve it. You can read it in the office. Copy machines are available. You pay per page. Certified copies cost more. Bring identification.

Mail requests work for distant users. Write a detailed letter. Include the defendant's name. Add case numbers if known. State what you want. Enclose payment for fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send to the clerk's address. Processing takes time.

Hamilton County Court System

Hamilton County uses Florida's two-tier court system. The county court handles lower-level crimes. The circuit court handles felonies. Both are in Jasper. The same clerk serves both courts. This simplifies record keeping.

The Third Judicial Circuit oversees operations. A chief judge manages the circuit. This judge assigns cases. They set local rules. They handle administration. The circuit includes rural counties. Hamilton is one of the smaller ones. All follow the same procedures.

Criminal cases follow standard paths. Arrest comes first. The defendant sees a judge within 24 hours. This is first appearance. Bail is set or denied. The State Attorney files charges. Arraignment follows. The defendant enters a plea. The case moves forward.

Trials are public events. They occur at the courthouse. Juries are selected from county residents. The clerk manages jury rolls. Evidence is presented. Verdicts are reached. Sentencing follows. All is recorded.

Public Records Laws for Hamilton County

Florida's public records laws apply to Hamilton County. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes governs access. It states records are open unless exempt. This means you can view most criminal files. The clerk cannot ask why. You have a right to access.

Some records are exempt. Juvenile cases are confidential. They cannot be viewed without a court order. Sealed cases are hidden. Expunged cases are destroyed. Victim information may be redacted. This protects people from harm. Social Security numbers are hidden.

The clerk follows security rules online. Different users see different details. The general public sees basic facts. Attorneys see more. Parties see the most. This balances openness with privacy. It follows Florida law.

Note: Florida law provides strong protections for public access to court records while also safeguarding sensitive personal information.

Record Retention in Hamilton County

Hamilton County keeps criminal records for extended periods. Felony files are permanent. They are never destroyed. This preserves the record. Misdemeanor files may be archived. Older cases go to storage. They can be retrieved. The clerk manages this.

Digital storage is now common. New cases are electronic. Documents are scanned. They go into databases. You can search online. Older cases may be paper only. These take longer to find. Special requests may be needed.

If you need old records, contact the clerk. Describe what you seek. Provide names and dates. Allow time for research. Fees may apply. The staff will help. They know the system.

Other Counties in the Third Circuit

Hamilton County shares its judicial circuit with six other counties. All use the same court rules. Records from these areas are kept by their clerks. The Third Circuit covers North Florida.

Columbia County is the largest in the circuit. Lake City is the county seat. Madison and Suwannee counties are rural. Dixie and Lafayette are smaller. Taylor County is on the Gulf Coast. All work together in the Third Circuit Court.